Program information distribution system and television receiver

Abstract

To solve the problem in which there is no consistency in metadata such as program information for image distribution in broadcasting and telecommunication.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a television operation system that consists of a server system that distributes video content, an intermediate sharing server that receives and converts metadata for selecting the video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and that can easily select video content through communication by receiving the metadata and presenting it on a screen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a television operation system that is composed of a server system that distributes video content, an intermediate shared server that receives and converts metadata for selecting video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and that receives the metadata and displays it on the screen, allowing easy selection of video content distributed via communication. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, advances in networks have led to the launch of a wide range of video distribution services. In particular, large-screen television receivers can now not only receive broadcasts as before, but also connect to networks and play distributed videos, allowing viewers to enjoy higher-quality, more realistic video. This has become possible thanks to faster networks and improved processing capabilities in television receivers, and it is expected that in the future, there will be even more opportunities to display and operate a variety of video content provided over networks on television receivers.

[0003] In this environment, viewers desire an easier way to select their preferred video content from the vast amount of video content available via communications. Video content distributors and providers are also making efforts to make it easier for viewers to select video content. For example, they are displaying video content as a series and providing previews of upcoming episodes to encourage viewers to watch the content continuously. Recently, attempts have been made to further subdivide series into seasons and even episodes, thereby explaining the entirety of the continuous content to viewers. For example, a structure such as "xxx series," "xxx season," and "episode number x" can encourage viewers to watch the content continuously.

[0004] Furthermore, video content providers typically use metadata to explain the content to viewers so that they can understand the content when they watch it. Metadata here refers to data that defines the title, summary, and cast of the video content, and can also provide image information such as thumbnails to make it easier for viewers to understand.

[0005] The structuring of content into series, seasons, and episodes, as mentioned above, can also be achieved using metadata, and it is expected that video streaming content will increasingly be provided using structured metadata in the future. Therefore, it has become necessary for television receivers, which allow users to enjoy powerful video content on large screens, to support this type of structured metadata.

[0006] However, current television receivers require users to select programs via a remote control on a large screen, which significantly differs from the operating systems of personal computers and smartphones. This makes them less capable of supporting structured metadata. While broadcast programs can be easily selected by using the direct channel buttons on a remote control and activating a program guide or program list, selecting video content distributed over a network using structured metadata requires users to use the remote control to narrow down the content sequentially through multiple screens, such as series, season, and episode, resulting in extremely poor usability. Furthermore, video content providers are not uniform, and structured metadata may be distributed only at the episode or season level, among other formats. A method is needed to enable viewers to easily select desired video content without causing confusion, even when metadata in different formats is transmitted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2000-253367 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Current television receivers allow users to select video content from a program guide or program list using a remote control. However, recently, metadata for selecting video content via video streaming has become structured, such as series, season, and episode. As television viewing increases, there is a demand for a television receiver user interface that allows users to easily select video content, even when video content is expressed using such structured metadata.

[0009] However, when a conventional television receiver receives structured metadata, the following problems arise. 1) The metadata for the broadcast program guides and program listings that are currently the norm for television receivers is based on a standard, whereas the metadata for communications is not standardized and differs for each video platform that distributes it, resulting in poor consistency between broadcast and communications metadata. 2) Unlike broadcasting, there are a wide variety of video distribution systems in the communication industry, and no uniformly structured metadata is distributed, making it difficult for television receivers to handle them. 3) It is difficult to seamlessly select video content using structured metadata between real-time video distribution and VOD-type distribution such as catch-up distribution.

[0010] To address the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides the following solutions. 1) Add information to the metadata to give viewers more flexibility in their presentation choices. 2) Metadata sent from multiple distribution systems will be converted into a format that is easy for television receivers to process. 3) By providing a format that allows screens to be created using structured metadata through bidirectional top-down and bottom-up processing, it becomes possible to create screens that are easy for viewers to understand.

[0011] An example of a current video distribution system is shown in FIG.

[0012] Video content stored in distribution content unit 20001 in distribution system 20000 undergoes video and audio compression by encoder 20002 and is input to multiplex distribution unit 20003. Meanwhile, program information necessary for program selection is generated by program information unit 20004, input to multiplex distribution unit 20003, multiplexed onto the video and audio stream, and transmitted. The multiplexed video and audio stream is transmitted to television receiver 20100 via stream distribution network 20200, which is a communication path. In television receiver 20100, reception separation 20103 receives the stream transmitted over the communication path and separates the multiplexed program information and video and audio stream. The separated video and audio stream is input to decoder 20102, which decompresses the compressed video and audio stream. The decoded video and audio is input to content display unit 20101, where the video and audio are presented.

[0013] Meanwhile, the separated program information is input to the program information processing unit 20104, which generates a program selection screen. At this time, unlike when receiving a broadcast, icons or a program list screen is presented to the viewer. Normally, in distribution via communication, content is selected without a concept of time using VOD (Video On Demand), so a program list is generated. The icons or program list generated in 20105 are input to the content display unit 20101 and displayed.

[0014] The above processing is carried out by the control unit 20106 controlling each unit based on the signal output from the remote control 20107 operated by the user.

[0015] FIG. 21 shows a conventional example of program information that constitutes a program guide.

[0016] First, the format of the metadata will be explained using channel information as an example.

[0017] The channel information 21010 in Figure 21 has the service ID, service name, and service logo as elements. Here, the metadata display format is determined by defining each symbol and then determining the value. For example, if the service ID is defined as service_id, the service name as service_name, and the service logo as service_logo_url, the values are determined as follows: ·service_id:100. ·service_name:Channel A ·service_logo_url:http: / / www.aaa.co.jp / logo

[0018] Here, each value is shown as an example. More specifically, a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format or the like is used, and is defined in the format shown in JSON notation 21011 of channel information in Figure 21. JSON is defined in IETF STD 90 RFC8259.

[0019] In the following explanation, for ease of understanding, the metadata will be explained in a format that includes the element names indicated in the channel information 21010.

[0020] On program guide screen 21060, content is displayed in a TV guide format to select video content for x-month-x-year and x-date. Here, program guide information 21000 for x-month-x-year and x-date includes program information list 21001, which can accommodate a plurality of pieces of program information 21020 as a list. The plurality of pieces of program information 21020 included in program information list 21001 constitutes program guide screen 21060. Program ID 21021, which is an element of program information 21020, is used to identify the program information, the value of program name 21022 is displayed as title 21053 of content 1A on program guide screen 21060, program description 21023 is displayed as program description 21054 on program guide screen 20160, and program thumbnail 21026 is displayed as thumbnail 21055 on program guide screen 21060. Furthermore, the program start time 21024 is displayed as time 21052 on the program guide screen 21060, and information such as the title is displayed in an area corresponding to the program length 21025.

[0021] The program genre 21027 indicates the attributes of the video content, such as news, sports, entertainment, etc.

[0022] The program guide screen can be configured with three types of programs: current programs that can be viewed now, future programs that will be available to view in the future, and past programs that have already been distributed, and each applies corresponding video information 21040. Video information 21040 for current programs is specified by current program video ID 21028, video information 21040 for future programs is specified by future program video ID 21029, and video information 21040 for past programs is specified by past program video ID 21030. In this way, different video information 21028 to 21030 is specified depending on the time of viewing and the program start time 21024.

[0023] Video information 21040 has a video ID 21041 for identification from external information, and furthermore, a content name 21042 indicates the title of the video content. Content description 21043 shows an overview of the video content, video thumbnail 21044 is used as a thumbnail for the video content, and video genre 21045 indicates whether the video content belongs to a certain genre such as news, sports, entertainment, etc. Video URL 21046 indicates a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for specifying a server that distributes video and audio streams, performer names 21047 indicate the actors appearing in the video content, and staff 21049 indicates the director, etc. who produced the video content.

[0024] As described above, video information 21040 contains more detailed information than program information, but since there is some overlapping information, the information in program information 21020 is displayed with priority when constructing program guide screen 21060. When a viewer selects video content, they move cursor 21050 using the up, down, left, right, etc. buttons on the remote control, and press a button such as OK.

[0025] The above operation is the operation of a program guide for a specific channel at a specific date and time, and in reality, a specific channel will make up program guides for multiple dates and times, so channel information 21010 is introduced. Channel information 21010 stores a service ID 21011, a service name 21012, a service logo 21013, and a list 21014 of program guide information for x year x month x day. Service ID 21011 is a value to be displayed in channel 21051 on the program guide screen, and service name 21012 displays the name of each channel. Service logo 21013 is information used as an auxiliary aid to help viewers easily identify channels.

[0026] Furthermore, since there are multiple channels, program guide information 21070 is introduced. Program guide information 21070 includes a list 21071 of channel information, and can describe information for multiple channels.

[0027] The above metadata makes it possible to present programs corresponding to multiple channels and multiple dates and times for each channel.

[0028] FIG. 22 shows a conventional example of program information that constitutes a program list.

[0029] Video information 22020 is the same as video information 21040 shown in FIG. 21. Program list screen 22000 does not have time information and displays a list of video content. Program list information 22010 is used to configure program list screen 22000. Program list information 22010 contains video information list 22011, in which video information 1 to 9 are arranged in order. Since the video information represents multiple video contents, a wide variety of video contents can be represented by setting different values to video information 22020, which is metadata. Video information 1 to 9 arranged in video information list 22011 displays the title, description, and thumbnail of the video content.

[0030] The title 22001 of the program list screen 22000 is displayed using the content name 21042 of the video information 22020, the description 22002 of the program list screen 22000 is displayed using the content description 21043 of the video information 22020, and the thumbnail 22003 of the program list screen 22000 is displayed using the video thumbnail 21044 of the video information 22020. In this way, the program list uses the video information 22020 to list the video content.

[0031] FIG. 23 shows a conventional example of program selection using a three-layer structure.

[0032] When selecting video distribution content on demand, the content is often presented in three layers: series, season, and episode. The viewer first selects the desired content from a display of video content series.

[0033] Series list 23010 in FIG. 23 presents a list of series 1 to series 6 of the video content. For example, when series 1 is selected by placing cursor 23011 on it and pressing the enter button on the remote control or the like, a list 23020 of seasons in series 1 is displayed. Season list 23020 lists seasons 1 to 3. Here, when cursor 23021 is placed on season 1 and selected by pressing the enter button on the remote control or the like, a list 23030 of episodes in season 1 is displayed. Episode list 23030 displays episodes 11 to 16. Here, when cursor 23031 is placed on season 1 and selected by pressing the enter button on the remote control or the like, episode 11 is selected and playback of the video content begins.

[0034] In this way, programs are presented in a three-tiered structure of series, season, and episode, and the program selection operation involves the viewer making a selection at each tier and following the tiers.

[0035] Figure 24 shows a conventional example of hierarchical program information. Metadata for constructing a three-layer structure of series, season, and episode consists of series information 24010, season information 24020, and episode information 24030. Series information 24010 includes a series ID for externally identifying a series, a series name, a series description, a series thumbnail, and a series genre, as well as a season list for including multiple seasons. Season information 24020 includes a season ID for externally identifying a season, a season name, a season description, a season thumbnail, and a season genre, as well as a season list for including multiple seasons.

[0036] The episode information 24030 also includes an episode ID for externally identifying the episode, an episode name, an episode description, content length, program start time, program end time, an episode thumbnail, and an episode genre, as well as a video URL that identifies the server that will play the motion stream.

[0037] FIG. 25 shows an explanatory diagram comparing the three-layer structure with the program guide and program list.

[0038] The three-layer structure of the program guide information, program list information, series information, season information, and episode information explained above will be compared using Figure 25.

[0039] The program guide is made up of multiple pieces of channel information 25020, 25021 included in program information 25010. In this example, two channels are shown as an example, but the same configuration applies even if more channels exist. Next, channel information 25020 is made up of program guide information 25030 for x year, x month, x day and program guide information 25031 for x year, x month, x day. In this example, two dates and times are shown as an example, but the same configuration applies even if more dates and times exist. Similarly, channel information 25021 can also include program information for x year, x month, x day.

[0040] Next, program guide information 25030 for x year, x month, x day is made up of program information 25040 and program information 25041. Program information 25040 is made up of video information 25050, and similarly, program information 25041 is made up of video information 25051. Program guide information 25031 for x year, x month, x day is made up of program information 25042 and program information 25043. Program information 25042 is made up of video information 25052, and similarly, program information 25043 is made up of video information 25053.

[0041] Next, program list information 25090 is made up of video information 25091, 25092, and 25093. In this example, three pieces of content are presented, but by adding more video information, it is possible to present more pieces of content.

[0042] Meanwhile, series information, season information, and episode information form a three-layer structure. In Fig. 25, season information 24070 to 24072 exists under series information 24060, episode information 25080 to 25082 exists under season information 25070, episode information 25083 to 25085 exists under season information 24071, and episode information 25086 to 25088 exists under season information 25072.

[0043] As such, we can see that there are significant differences between traditional program guides and program listings and the three-layer structure of series information, season information, and episode information. Below, we will discuss the challenges of presenting structured information in traditional program guides and program listings.

[0044] To present programs in this three-tiered structure of series, seasons, and episodes on a television receiver, it is necessary to ensure consistency with a program guide with time axis information or a program list without time axis information. The program guide illustrated in Figure 21 allows a user to see at a glance the video content currently being streamed, the video content to be streamed in the future, and the content that has already been streamed. By selecting the desired content, the video content begins playing immediately. The program list illustrated in Figure 22, while lacking time information, allows a user to see all the video content at once, and by selecting the desired content, the video content can be played immediately. On the other hand, the three-tiered structure of series, seasons, and episodes cannot be directly matched with these program guides and program lists.

[0045] The three-layer structure of series, season, and episode explained in Figure 23 is suitable for, for example, dramas that are distributed over a long period of time, but is difficult to apply to content such as one-off movies or news reports that require real-time processing, and it is not always possible to have a three-layer structure of series, season, and episode, but rather a two-layer structure of season and episode, or a single layer structure of only episodes. When presenting metadata with such different layer structures in a program guide or program list, processing such as metadata conversion is required.

[0046] In particular, when trying to seamlessly select between real-time streaming content currently being distributed and past programs that have already been distributed and have been missed, the three-layered structure of series, seasons, and episodes requires users to navigate through the different series, making simple operations like zapping difficult.Television receivers are designed to allow users to seamlessly select between real-time video streaming and VOD-type streaming such as catch-up streaming with the same operation, using relatively simple operations such as a program guide or program list.

[0047] As described above, there are problems when displaying metadata on a television receiver that has a three-layer structure consisting of series, season, and episode. [Means for solving the problem]

[0048] A program information distribution system includes a distribution system that distributes video and audio streams to television receivers via a network, generates metadata for program selection, and transmits program information to an intermediate shared server, and the intermediate shared server that receives the metadata from the distribution system, stores the metadata, and then edits and transmits the edited metadata to the television receiver. The metadata distributed by the distribution system includes a series ID, a season ID, an episode ID, a related program ID, and a service ID, and includes a video information list, a series information list, a season information list, or an episode information list as video group information. .

[0049] In a television receiver, The video and audio stream is distributed to television receivers via a network, metadata for program selection is generated, and program information is sent to an intermediate shared server. receiving a video and audio stream from a distribution system; receiving the metadata from the distribution system, storing the metadata, and then transmitting edited metadata to the television receiver; Receives the metadata distributed by the distribution system from the intermediate shared server as program information. The received metadata includes a series ID, a season ID, an episode ID, a related program ID, and a service ID, and includes one of a video information list, a series information list, a season information list, and an episode information list as video group information. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] The present invention relates to a television operation system that includes a server system for distributing video content, an intermediate shared server that receives and converts metadata for selecting video content, and a receiving terminal that receives the video content and the converted metadata, and that allows easy selection of video content distributed via communication by receiving the metadata and displaying it on the screen. In particular, the system defines metadata that can flexibly accommodate structured data such as series, season, and episode, allowing viewers to more easily select desired content. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an example of metadata based on the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between metadata according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of program list information according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of a program list display according to the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows an example of a display operation of a program list according to the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an example of a program display based on episode information according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows examples of different metadata presentations according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows examples of different metadata presentations according to the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an example of a mixed display including channels according to the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an example of cursor movement and screen operation according to the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen selection operation according to the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an example of video playback according to the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows an example of the end of a playback operation according to the present invention. [Figure 15]FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows an example of metadata according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows an example of operation of the second embodiment according to the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows an example of cross-search operation in the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows an example of a conventional internet distribution system. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a conventional example of program information that constitutes a program guide. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a conventional example of program information that constitutes a program list. [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a conventional example of program selection using a three-tier structure. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 shows a conventional example of hierarchical program information. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an explanatory diagram comparing the three-layer structure with the program guide and program list. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0053] The metadata and accompanying screen presentation and operation according to the present invention provide the following solutions: 1) Add information to the metadata to give viewers more flexibility in their presentation choices. 2) Converting metadata sent from multiple distribution systems into a format that is easy for television receivers to process. 3) Provide a format that allows structured metadata to be processed bidirectionally, top-down and bottom-up, to create the next screen. An intermediate shared server is deployed to integrate metadata output from multiple distribution systems and transmit it to television receivers. -Introduce related program information into metadata (video group) to associate multiple video contents and present them in related groups. Metadata (video groups) can be freely created with combinations of related programs, series, seasons, and episodes, and any combination can be displayed on the screen. The screen display can be a mixture of hierarchical display by series and season, and direct selection by episode and video information. -Add service ID to metadata (video information) to associate channels with related programs, series, seasons, and episodes. Determine which channels each related program, series, season, and episode belongs to, and display related programs, series, seasons, and episodes for each channel. -Program information can be generated from episodes to create a program guide screen. -You can generate video groups from episodes and configure the program guide screen. -Selecting a hierarchical series or season will expand it and display it at the episode level. -When you perform a specific operation using the remote control buttons while a video is playing, the hierarchical series or season episodes to which the video you are watching belongs will be displayed. -When a video is playing, perform a specific operation using the remote control button to display related episodes. -When a video is playing and the end is approaching, the next episode will be automatically displayed. If a content provider exists separately, the content provider's identifier and content provider information are paired together to extend the metadata, thereby presenting the content provider's information on the screen. -By integrating individually distributed metadata and sending search keywords other than the metadata to a separate search server and linking the metadata with the keywords, search results are sent to the television receiver as metadata and search result content is presented.

[0054] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a program information distribution system and a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0055] The distribution system 1100 is composed of a distribution content unit 1101, an encoder 1102, a distribution unit 1103, and a program information unit 1104. The video content output from the distribution content unit 1101 is compressed by the encoder 1102 and input to the distribution unit 1103. The distribution unit 1103 outputs a video and audio stream to a stream distribution network 1400.

[0056] The difference from the conventional example is that the output of the program information unit 1104 is not multiplexed into a stream by the distribution unit 1103 but is output to the intermediate shared server 1500. The program information unit 1104 generates metadata for program selection and outputs it to the intermediate shared server 1500.

[0057] The distribution systems 1200 and 1300 operate in the same manner as the distribution system 1100.

[0058] The intermediate shared server is composed of a receiving unit 1501, a program information storage unit 1503, and a transmitting unit 1502. The receiving unit 1501 receives metadata output from the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300, and stores it in the program information storage unit 1503. The metadata transmitted from each distribution system is integrated and / or edited in the program information storage unit 1503, and then transmitted to the television receivers 1600 and 1700 by the transmitting unit 1502. In this embodiment, a configuration with three distribution systems and two television receivers is exemplified, but even if the number of distribution systems and television receivers increases, this can be accommodated by improving the receiving and transmitting capabilities of the intermediate shared server.

[0059] The television receiver 1600 is composed of a receiving unit 1603, a decoder 1602, a content display unit 1601, a program information processing unit 1604, a selection screen unit 1605, a control unit 1606, and a remote control 1607. The receiving unit 1603 receives a video and audio stream transmitted via the stream distribution network 1400 and outputs it to the decoder 1602. The decoder decompresses the compressed video and audio stream, restoring it to the original video content and outputting it to the content display unit 1601. Meanwhile, the program information processing unit 1604 receives metadata transmitted from the intermediate shared server 1500 and outputs the results of processing the metadata to the selection screen unit 1605. The selection screen unit creates a screen for program selection and outputs the results to the content display unit 1601. Here, the viewer uses the remote control 1607 to send commands to the control unit 1606 to execute predetermined processing.

[0060] The television receiver 1700 is made up of a receiving unit 1703, a decoder 1702, a content display unit 1701, a program information processing unit 1704, a selection screen unit 1705, a control unit 1706, and a remote control 1707. The television receiver 1700 operates in the same manner as the television receiver 1600.

[0061] An example of metadata based on the present invention is shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows an example of the structure of metadata that the intermediate shared server 1500 in Fig. 1 transmits as program information.

[0062] In comparison with the metadata explained in the conventional example of program guide information constituting the program guide in Fig. 21 and the conventional example of program list information constituting the program list in Fig. 22, in Fig. 2, the element of the program list information has been changed to a video group 2001, and a series ID 2011, a season ID 2012, an episode ID 2013, a related program ID 2014, and a service ID 2015 have been added to the video information. Also, related program information 2020, a video group 2030, and provider information 2040 have been newly added. The parts that have not been newly changed or added are exactly the same as the metadata shown in Figs. 21 and 22.

[0063] The contents of video group 2001, which is an attribute of program list information 2000, are defined as video group 2030. Video group 2030 contains a video information list 2031, a series information list 2032, a season information list 2033, and an episode information list 2034, and video information list 2031 can store multiple pieces of video information 2010 in list form. Series information list 2032, season information list 2033, and episode information list 2034 can each store multiple pieces of series information list 24010, season information list 24020, and episode information list 24030 shown in Fig. 24.

[0064] Therefore, the program list information 2000 can be configured as a program list using any one or a combination of the video information list 2031, series information list 2032, season information list 2033, and episode information list 2034, making it possible to flexibly respond to conventional program lists.

[0065] The provider information 2040 is made up of a provider ID 2045, a provider name 2041, a provider logo 2042, terms of use 2043, and a privacy policy (abbreviated as PP) 2044. In the conventional Internet distribution system shown in Fig. 20, metadata is distributed from a single distribution system, but in the first embodiment based on the present invention shown in Fig. 1, a plurality of distribution systems are configured, and an intermediate shared server identifies which distribution system the metadata is sent from, and transmits the information to the television receiver using the provider information 2040.

[0066] The provider ID 2045 is an ID for uniquely identifying multiple distribution systems, the provider name 2041 is a name that represents the distribution system, and the provider logo 2042 is displayed to clearly indicate the distribution system to viewers. Also, since there are multiple distribution providers, multiple terms of use 2043 and privacy policies (PP) 2044 for viewers when providing the service can also be written in a list structure.

[0067] A related program ID 2014 has been added to the video information 2010, and as shown in related program information 2020, a related program is made up of a related program ID 2021 and a video information list 2022. The related program information 2020 is introduced to define multiple video contents as a single group according to the intention of the content user. The internal video information list 2022 can accommodate multiple pieces of video information 2010.

[0068] The video information further includes a series ID 2011, a season ID 2012, an episode ID 2013, and a service ID 2015. This allows the video information to be linked to a three-tiered structure of series, season, and episode, as well as channel information.

[0069] 3 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between metadata according to the present invention, showing the operation of series ID 3011, season ID 3012, episode ID 3013, related program ID 3014, and service ID 3015 added to the video information.

[0070] As shown in Figure 25, the three-tier structure of series, season, and episode constitutes three hierarchical layers.

[0071] Below series information 3001 is season information 3011 to 3013, below season information 3011 is episode information 3021 to 3023, below season information 3012 is episode information 3024 to 3026, and below season information 3013 is episode information 3027 to 3029. In a conventional three-layer structure of series, season, and episode, these three hierarchical levels are configured, but in the metadata structure of the present invention, video information can be added below episode information using the episode ID included in the video information.

[0072] Episode ID 3043 included in video information 3031 indicates episode information 3021, and can link episode information 3021 to video information 3031. Other video information 3032 to 3039 also contain episode IDs, so higher-level episode information can be linked to the video information.

[0073] Furthermore, since the video information includes a series ID and a season ID, it is possible to identify which episode, season, or series the video information belongs to. For example, video information 3039 belongs to episode information 3029, season information 3013, and series information 3001. Furthermore, since the video information includes a service ID, it is possible to identify which channel the video information belongs to. For example, it is possible to identify that video information 3039 belongs to channel information 3050.

[0074] In this way, the metadata according to the present invention can identify the position of the three-tiered structure of series, season, and episode to which the video belongs, and can also identify which channel it belongs to, by checking the ID in the video information.

[0075] FIG. 4 shows an example of program listing information for a program information distribution system and a television receiver according to the present invention. Program listing information 4000 according to the present invention includes a video group 4011. The video group 4011 can have any one of a series information list 4021, a season information list 4022, an episode information list 4023, and a video information list 4024, or a combination thereof, as its attributes. When program listing information is sent from the distribution system, the program listing information is received by the receiving unit 4064 of the intermediate shared server 4060. The received program listing information is output to an ID detection unit 4061, which detects the ID contained therein and outputs the result to a determination unit 4062. The data contained in the video group is then classified into series information, season information, episode information, and video information, and output from a transmission unit 4065. The determination unit 4062 edits the metadata based on the ID detection result by arbitrarily combining information, such as circled numbers 1 to 5 in FIG. 4, and transmits the edited information to the transmission unit 4065.

[0076] Five examples of video groups are shown below. Video group 4031 shows a case where a series information list is included, and is made up of series information 4041 and 4042. Video group 4032 shows a case where a season information list is included, and is made up of season information 4043 and 4044. Video group 4033 shows a case where an episode information list is included, and is made up of episode information 4045 and 4046. Video group 4034 shows a case where a video information list is included, and is made up of video information 4047 and 4048. Video information 4035 is a mixture, and contains a season information list and an episode information list, and is made up of season information 4049 and episode information 4050. In this way, series information, season information, episode information, and video information can be freely transmitted to the video groups.

[0077] It is not necessary to use all the information in the video group; at least one is sufficient.

[0078] FIG. 5 shows an example of a program list display in a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0079] Four patterns will be explained: series information list 5001, season information list 5011, episode information list 5021, and mixed list 5031.

[0080] When video group 5002 is made up of series information 5003, 5004, and 5005, series 5006, 5007, and 5008 are presented on the screen of program list display 5005. For each series, the series title and a brief description of the series are presented.

[0081] When video group 5012 is made up of season information 5013, 5014, and 5015, seasons 5016, 5017, and 5018 are presented on the program list display screen 5015. For each season, the season title and a brief description of the season are presented.

[0082] When video group 5022 is made up of episode information 5023, 5024 to 5025, eight episodes are listed on the screen of program list display 5025. The title of each episode is displayed.

[0083] Video group 5032 contains a mixture of season information lists, episode information lists, and video information lists.

[0084] Video group 5032 is made up of season information 5033, episode information 5034 and 5035, and video information 5036 and 5037. On the screen of program list display 5038, season 5039, episodes 5040 and 5041, and content 5042 and 5043 are presented. For season 5039, the season title and season description are presented, for episodes 5040 and 5041, the episode titles are presented, and for content 5042 and 5043, the content titles are presented.

[0085] FIG. 6 shows an example of the display operation of a program list in a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0086] Four patterns will be explained: series information list 6001, season information list 6011, episode information list 6021, and mixed list 6031.

[0087] If a video group is configured as a series information list, a list of series titles and series descriptions is displayed on the initial program list screen 6002. When a viewer selects a series, a list of season titles and season descriptions is displayed on program list 6003. When a viewer selects a season, a list of episode titles is displayed on program list 6004. Viewers can watch video content by selecting the desired episode.

[0088] When a video group is configured with a season information list, a list of season titles and season descriptions is displayed on the initial program list screen 6012. When a viewer selects a series, a list of episode titles is displayed on the program list 6013. The viewer can watch the video content by selecting the desired episode.

[0089] When a video group is configured as an episode information list, the initial screen 6022 of the program list presents the titles of the episodes.

[0090] If a video group is configured by mixing a season information list, episode information list, and video information list, the initial program list screen 6032 displays the season title, season description, and a list of episode titles and content titles. On the initial screen 6032, seasons are hierarchical, but the viewer can view the video content by selecting an episode or content. When the viewer selects a season, episodes 6035, 6036, 6037, and 6038 included in the season are expanded in the program list 6034, and the episodes and content are displayed in a list.

[0091] In this way, by introducing video groups into the metadata of the present invention, metadata with different hierarchical structures can be integrated and displayed on the screen, allowing viewers to quickly reach the desired content.

[0092] FIG. 7 shows an example of a program display based on episode information in a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0093] Episode information 7000 has defined attributes including episode ID 7001, video ID 7002, episode name 7003, episode description 7004, content length 7005, program start time 7006, program end time 7007, and episode thumbnail 7008. Meanwhile, program list information 7010 is made up of video groups 7011, and video group 7030 is made up of video information 7031 and 7032.

[0094] Here, if episode information 7000 is not included in a video group and you want to present the episode information in a program list, you can identify the video information by the video ID included in the episode information and copy the information included in the episode information to the video information, thereby generating the video information from the episode information. For example, you can display a program list by overwriting the content name, content description, and video thumbnail defined as attributes of the video information with the episode name, episode description, and episode thumbnail from the episode information.

[0095] On the other hand, program information 7040 is required to display program guide screen 7070, and program information 7040 can be presented by generating program information 7040 from episode information 7000. Program information can be generated by copying episode name 7003, which is defined as an attribute of episode information, to program name 7042 of program information 7040, copying episode description 7004 to program description 7043, copying program start time 7006 to program start time 7044, subtracting program end time 7007 and program start time 7006 using difference operation 7051 to generate program length 7045, and copying episode thumbnail 7008 to program thumbnail 7046.

[0096] By performing the above operations, it is possible to display a program list screen or a program guide screen by generating missing attributes such as video information and program information using the episode portion of the three-layer structure of series, season, and episode.

[0097] FIG. 8 shows an example of how metadata from multiple different distribution systems according to the present invention is presented to a television receiver. Distribution systems 8000, 8010, and 8020 transmit their respective metadata to an intermediate shared server. Here, distribution system 8000 configures video group 8001 with series information 8002, distribution system 8010 configures video group 8011 with season information 8012, and distribution system 8020 configures video group 8021 with episode information 8022 and 8023. Intermediate shared server 8100 receives this metadata. The metadata transmitted from distribution system 8000 includes video group 8001, which is received by receiver 8050 of intermediate shared server 8100. In receiver 8050, ID detector 8051 detects an ID, and determination unit 8052 determines that the information is series information. The episode output unit 8053 extracts season information from the series information 8002 and also extracts episode information, and outputs the information to the information storage unit 8080 .

[0098] Similarly, a receiving unit 8060 receives metadata transmitted from the distribution system 8010. In the receiving unit 8060, an ID is detected by an ID detection unit 8061, and it is determined that the information is season information by a determination unit 8062. An episode output unit 8063 extracts episode information from the season information 8012 and outputs it to the information storage unit 8080.

[0099] Furthermore, a receiving unit 8070 receives metadata transmitted from a distribution system 8020. In the receiving unit 8070, an ID is detected by an ID detection unit 8071, and it is determined that the information is episode information by a determination unit 8072. An episode output unit 8073 outputs episode information 8022 and 8023 to an information storage unit 8080.

[0100] Through the above operations, different video groups are transmitted from distribution systems 8000, 8010, and 8020 to information storage unit 8080, but all of these are expanded to the episode level in information storage unit 8080. Information storage unit 8080 outputs metadata to transmission unit 8090. Reconstruction unit 8091 of transmission unit 8090 reconstructs the metadata, and collects and outputs expanded episode information 8041, 8042, and 8043 to video group 8040 again.

[0101] The output metadata of the transmitter 8090 is a video group made up entirely of episode information, so that the program list 8030 presented on the television receiver displays a list of all episodes.

[0102] In this way, by using the intermediate shared server to align all metadata transmitted at different levels to the same level, the television receiver can easily display a list.

[0103] 9 shows an example of how different metadata from multiple distribution systems according to the present invention is presented to a television receiver. A video group 9000 is made up of series information 9001, 9002, season information 9003, 9004, and episode information 9005, 9006, 9007.

[0104] This shows a case where a program list is displayed with a different structure using a video group 9000. On a screen 9010, a series title and series description 9011, 9012 are presented, a season title and season description 9013, 9014 are presented, and episodes 9015, 9016, 9017 are displayed.

[0105] On the other hand, screen 9020 will explain the case where only season information 9003 and 9004 are expanded and episodes are extracted from video group 9000. Series 9021 and 9022 are not expanded, so only the series title and series description are displayed. For season 9030, season title 9031 and thumbnail 9032 are displayed, and expanded episodes 9033, 9034, and 9035 are also displayed. Similarly, for season 9040, season title 9041 and thumbnail 9042 are displayed, and expanded episodes 9043, 9044, and 9045 are also displayed. By selecting expanded episodes 9033, 9034, 9035, 9043, 9044, and 9045, the viewer can immediately watch the video content.

[0106] FIG. 10 shows an example of a mixed display including channels of a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0107] Channel information 10100 and video group 10000 are used as metadata that make up mixed display screen 10050. Video group 10000 is made up of video information 10010, 10020, 10030, and 10040. In this example, since the data structure is complex, a tree-type structural diagram will be used for explanation, and the explanation will focus on attributes that are directly used to make up mixed display screen 10050, so attributes that are not directly related to the explanation will be marked as "other."

[0108] Video information 10010 is composed of service ID 10011, related program ID 10012, and series ID 10013; video information 10020 is composed of service ID 10021, related program ID 11022, and series ID 10023; video information 10030 is composed of service ID 10031, related program ID 11032, and series ID 10033; and video information 10040 is composed of service ID 10041, related program ID 11042, and series ID 10043.

[0109] Mixed display screen 10050 is composed of channels 10051, 10052, 10053, and 10054, related program 10060, series 10070, and series 10080. Here, the video information is sorted by service ID. By collecting video information with the same service ID, a content collection for each channel is created. In mixed display screen 10050, video information having a service ID indicating channel 10051 is collected and related program and series information is presented on the screen. Therefore, related program 10060, series 10070, and series 10080 displayed on mixed display screen 10050 belong to channel 10051. Similarly, for channel 10052, by collecting video information having a service ID indicating channel 10052, the related program and series belonging to channel 10052 can be displayed. Similarly, the same operation is possible for channels 10053 and 10054.

[0110] FIG. 11 shows an example of cursor movement and screen operation of a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0111] In mixed screen 11000, cursor 11001 is located at episode 11004. If the cursor is moved two spaces to the right from this state, cursor 11015 moves from episode 11012 to 1104 via 11013. Here, episodes 11013 and 11014, which were not visible in mixed screen 11000, appear on the screen. Furthermore, if the cursor is moved downward one space from mixed screen 11010, cursor 11025 moves to episode 11024. At this time, related program 11026 and series 11028 are not affected, and episodes 11022, 11023, and 11024 appear in the next row in series 11027.

[0112] This operation makes it possible to provide viewers with a more easily understandable operation.

[0113] FIG. 12 shows an example of the screen selection operation of the television receiver according to the present invention.

[0114] On mixed screen 12000, cursor 12001 is positioned on episode 12003, and the viewer selects that episode. The screen transitions to mixed screen 12050, which displays a program thumbnail 12020 for episode 13, a detailed program description 12021, a play button 12022, and episodes 12011, 12012, and 12013 before and after the selection. In this example, when an episode is selected, detailed information about the episode is presented to the viewer without immediately starting playback, thereby allowing the viewer to be informed of the content of the episode in more detail.

[0115] FIG. 13 shows an example of video playback on a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0116] The details screen 13000 is equivalent to the mixed screen 12050 shown in Fig. 12. By pressing a play button 13001 on the details screen 13000, motion playback begins. By pressing the stop button on the remote control on the video playback screen 13010, a time bar 13021 is displayed at the bottom of the playback video screen 13020. Furthermore, by moving the cursor downward, episodes 13031, 13032, and 13033 are displayed at the bottom of the playback video.

[0117] By performing the above operations, the viewer can stop or fast forward the currently played video content, and can also know what episodes exist before and after the currently played video content.

[0118] FIG. 14 shows an example of the end of the playback operation of the television receiver according to the present invention.

[0119] When video playback screen 14001 reaches a state immediately before the end, the next and subsequent episodes 14012, 14013, and 14014 currently being viewed appear at the bottom of playback video screen 14011. If the state is left as it is, video playback will end and playback of the next episode 14012 will automatically begin.

[0120] In this way, by automatically playing back episodes, the viewer can easily continue watching.

[0121] FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of a program information distribution system and a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0122] In this embodiment, a plurality of content providers are connected to the distribution system and provide different video contents to the distribution system. Content providers 15001 to 15005 are connected to the distribution system 1100, and a receiving unit 1101 of the distribution system 1100 receives video contents from the respective content providers 15001 to 15005. The receiving unit 1101 multiplexes the received video contents in a time-division manner and outputs the multiplexed video contents to an encoder 1102. The subsequent processing is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0123] Similarly, content provider 15005 is connected to distribution system 1200, and receiving unit 1201 of distribution system 1200 receives video content from content provider 15005. Receiving unit 1201 multiplexes the received video content in a time-division manner and outputs it to encoder 1202. Subsequent processing is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0124] Furthermore, content providers 15006-15007 are connected to distribution system 1300, and a receiving unit 1301 of distribution system 1300 receives video content from each of content providers 15006-15007. The receiving unit 1301 multiplexes the received video content in a time-division manner and outputs it to encoder 1302. The subsequent processing is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG.

[0125] FIG. 16 shows an example of metadata for a program information distribution system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0126] Compared to the metadata in the first embodiment, a content provider ID is added to the video information, and a content provider list is added to the operator information. Furthermore, content provider information 16010 is added. The content provider information 16010 is made up of a content provider ID 16011, a content provider name 16012, and a content provider logo 16013. The content provider information 16010 is information about the content provider shown in Fig. 15, and is used when informing viewers of the content provider information.

[0127] FIG. 17 shows an example of the operation of the second embodiment of the television receiver according to the present invention.

[0128] Based on the provider ID 17001 in the video information 17000, predetermined content provider information 17011 is selected from the content provider list 17010. The contents of the content provider information 17011 are shown in content provider information 17030. The content provider information 17030 is made up of a content provider ID 17031 and a content provider name 17032.

[0129] A list of contents is displayed on the program list screen 17020. When content 16021 corresponding to video information 17000 is displayed, provider name 16022 is displayed on the screen based on information contained in content provider information 17011.

[0130] In this way, in the second embodiment of the present invention, even if the content provider and the distribution system are separated, information about the content provider can be presented on the screen, making it possible to communicate the source of the content to the viewer.

[0131] FIG. 18 shows a third embodiment of a program information distribution system and a television receiver according to the present invention.

[0132] The difference from the first embodiment is that a search server 19000 is added, and program network information units 1105, 1205, and 1305 are added to the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300. The third embodiment realizes keyword searches that cannot be performed using only the metadata stored in the intermediate shared server.

[0133] In the distribution system 1100, as in the first embodiment, the program information unit 1104 transmits metadata to the intermediate shared server. Meanwhile, the program network information unit 1105 transmits keywords to the search server 19000. Here, the program network information unit 1105 generates keywords that cannot be expressed in the metadata of the program information unit 1104 and transmits them to the search server.

[0134] For example, in addition to the cast and staff in the video information of the program information section 1104, the program network information section 1105 adds information that cannot be expressed in metadata, such as other programs in which the cast appears, and the titles of other works by directors included in the staff, in addition to the cast and staff.

[0135] The distribution systems 1200 and 1300 operate in the same manner as the distribution system 1100 .

[0136] In the search server 19000, the receiving unit 19005 receives program net information from the distribution systems 1100, 1200, and 1300. The receiving unit 19005 stores the received program net information in the program net information storage unit 19002. Meanwhile, the receiving unit 19001 receives part of the metadata from the intermediate shared server 1500. The receiving unit 19001 stores video information, which is part of the metadata received from the intermediate shared server 1500, in the program net information storage unit 19002. Therefore, the program net information storage unit 19002 stores program net information and video information.

[0137] Meanwhile, a transmitter / receiver 1608 is added to the television receiver 1600. The transmitter / receiver 1608 receives keywords from the viewer and transmits them to the search server 19000. It also subsequently receives search results from the search server 19000 and notifies the viewer of the results.

[0138] Similarly, a television receiver 1700 also has an additional transceiver unit 1708, but operates in the same manner as the television receiver 1600.

[0139] In the search server 19000, the transmitting / receiving unit 19004 receives the keywords transmitted from the television receiver 1600. The received keywords are input to the search engine 19003 of the search server 19000. The search engine 19003 performs a search based on the information stored in the program network information storage unit 19002 and obtains the results. After obtaining the search results, the search engine 19003 inputs the results to the transmitting / receiving unit 19004. The transmitting / receiving unit 19004 transmits the search results to the television receiver 1600 that transmitted the keywords.

[0140] An example of the cross-search operation of the program information distribution system and the television receiver according to the third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Fig. 19. This will be explained together with the configuration diagram of Fig. 18.

[0141] Data generated in the program net information units 1105, 1205, 1305 of the respective distribution systems 1100, 1200, 1300 are shown as 19000, 19010, 19020. Data 19000 generated by distribution system 1100 is composed of pairs of multiple keywords and video IDs. Similarly, data 19010, 19020 generated by the distribution systems are also composed of pairs of multiple keywords and video IDs. In this state, each distribution system records keywords related to the program information to be distributed in program net information storage unit 19002.

[0142] When a keyword is input from search engine 19003, it searches distribution system data 19000, 19010, and 19020 to find a matching keyword. It then outputs the video ID paired with the found keyword to search engine 19003. Video information is stored in program net information storage unit 19002, and search engine 19003 searches for video information from the obtained video ID, and groups multiple pieces of video information together to form a video group.

[0143] For example, in distribution system data 19000, search engine 19003 obtains video ID 19002 that is paired with matched keyword 19001, and similarly, search engine 19003 obtains video ID 19012 that is paired with matched keyword 19011 in distribution system data 19010, and further, search engine 19003 obtains video ID 19022 that is paired with matched keyword 19021 in distribution system data 19020.

[0144] The search engine 19003 acquires video information 19062, 19063, and 19064 from the program net information storage unit 19002 based on the acquired video IDs 19002, 19012, and 19022, and forms a video group 19061.

[0145] Next, the screen configuration for the viewer will be described.

[0146] When a viewer conducts a search, a search screen 19030 is presented. The search screen 19030 has a keyword input section 19031, where the viewer inputs a keyword using the keys on the remote control. The keyword input here becomes the keyword input to the search engine 19003.

[0147] On the other hand, when the television receiver receives video group 19061, a program list screen 19070 is presented. On program list screen 19070, video contents 19071, 19072, and 19073 corresponding to video information 19062, 19063, and 19064 that make up video group 19061 are presented.

[0148] As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, a viewer can search for desired video content by keyword across all distribution providers, thereby improving convenience.

[0149] [Appendix 1] a distribution system that distributes video and audio streams to television receivers via a network, generates metadata for program selection, and transmits program information to an intermediate shared server; the intermediate shared server that receives the metadata from the distribution system, stores the metadata, and then edits and transmits the edited metadata to the television receiver.

[0150] [Appendix 2] In Appendix 1, a program information distribution system is patented in which the metadata distributed by the distribution system includes at least one of season information, episode information, and series information.

[0151] [Appendix 3] In Appendix 1, a program information distribution system is patented in which the metadata distributed by the distribution system includes any of a video information list, a series information list, a season information list, and an episode information list as video group information.

[0152] [Appendix 4] A program information distribution system characterized in that the intermediate shared server described in Supplementary Note 3 arbitrarily combines related programs, series, seasons, and episodes of the video group.

[0153] [Appendix 5] In Supplementary Note 1, the program information distribution system is characterized in that, when there are multiple distribution systems, metadata from the multiple distribution systems is integrated.

[0154] [Appendix 6] In Supplementary Note 5, a program information distribution system characterized by associating keywords with the metadata.

[0155] [Appendix 7] receiving a video and audio stream from a distribution system; The metadata distributed by the distribution system is received as program information from the intermediate shared server. A television receiver characterized by:

[0156] [Appendix 8] The metadata described in Appendix 7 includes at least one of season information, episode information, and series information. A television receiver characterized by:

[0157] [Appendix 9] Generate program information from the episode information described in Supplementary Note 8 and display a program guide on the screen. A television receiver characterized by:

[0158] [Appendix 10] The program guide described in Supplementary Note 9 is expanded by selecting a hierarchical series or season and displayed at the episode level. A television receiver characterized by:

[0159] [Appendix 11] In Appendix 7, the hierarchical series or season episode to which the currently viewed video belongs is displayed based on the metadata received from the intermediate shared server. A television receiver characterized by:

[0160] [Appendix 12] In Appendix 7, when the video is nearing the end, the next episode will be displayed. A television receiver characterized by:

[0161] [Appendix 13] An intermediate shared server is deployed to integrate metadata output from multiple distribution systems and transmit it to television receivers. -Introduce related program information into metadata (video group) to associate multiple video contents and present them in related groups. Metadata (video groups) can be freely created with combinations of related programs, series, seasons, and episodes, and any combination can be displayed on the screen. The screen display can be a mixture of hierarchical display by series and season, and direct selection by episode and video information. -Add service ID to metadata (video information) to associate channels with related programs, series, seasons, and episodes. Determine which channels each related program, series, season, and episode belongs to, and display related programs, series, seasons, and episodes for each channel. -Program information can be generated from episodes to create a program guide screen. -You can generate video groups from episodes and configure the program guide screen. -Selecting a hierarchical series or season will expand it and display it at the episode level. -When you perform a specific operation using the remote control buttons while a video is playing, the hierarchical series or season episodes to which the video you are watching belongs will be displayed. -When a video is playing, perform a specific operation using the remote control button to display related episodes. -When a video is playing and the end is approaching, the next episode will be automatically displayed. If a content provider exists separately, the content provider's identifier and content provider information are paired together to extend the metadata, thereby presenting the content provider's information on the screen. -By integrating individually distributed metadata and sending search keywords other than the metadata to a separate search server and linking the metadata with the keywords, search results are sent to the television receiver as metadata and search result content is presented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0162] 1100, 1200, 1300, 8000, 8010, 8020 distribution system 1500, 4060 Intermediate shared server 1600, 1700 TV receiver 7040 Program Information

Claims

1. a distribution system that distributes video and audio streams to television receivers via a network, generates metadata for program selection, and transmits program information to an intermediate shared server; the intermediate shared server that receives the metadata from the distribution system, stores the metadata, and then transmits edited metadata to the television receiver; Has, The metadata distributed by the distribution system includes: Includes series ID, season ID, episode ID, related program ID, and service ID. The video group information includes any one of a video information list, a series information list, a season information list, and an episode information list. A program information distribution system characterized by:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the metadata distributed by the distribution system includes at least one of season information, episode information, and series information. A program information distribution system characterized by:

3. 2. The intermediate shared server according to claim 1, wherein the related program information of the video group, the series, the season, and the episode are arbitrarily combined. A program information distribution system characterized by:

4. 2. The program information distribution system according to claim 1, wherein when there are a plurality of said distribution systems, metadata of the plurality of said distribution systems is integrated.

5. 5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the metadata is associated with a keyword. A program information distribution system characterized by:

6. A method for receiving a video / audio stream from a distribution system that distributes the video / audio stream to a television receiver via a network, generates metadata for program selection, and transmits program information to an intermediate shared server; receiving the metadata from the distribution system, storing the metadata, and then transmitting edited metadata to the television receiver; receiving the metadata distributed by the distribution system as program information from the intermediate shared server; The received metadata includes: Includes series ID, season ID, episode ID, related program ID, and service ID. The video group information includes any one of a video information list, a series information list, a season information list, and an episode information list. A television receiver characterized by:

7. The metadata according to claim 6 includes at least one of season information, episode information, and series information. A television receiver characterized by:

8. The program information is generated from the episode information according to claim 7, and a program guide is displayed on the screen. A television receiver characterized by:

9. The program guide according to claim 8 is expanded and displayed at the episode level when a hierarchical series or season is selected. A television receiver characterized by:

10. 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the episodes of a hierarchical series or season to which the video being viewed belongs are displayed based on the metadata received from the intermediate shared server. A television receiver characterized by:

11. In claim 6, when the end of a video is approaching during playback, the next episode or subsequent episodes are displayed. A television receiver characterized by:

Images